UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 11 



for the purpose of comparing the sacred and 

 profane parts, and because I have some idea of 

 endeavouring to make an historical chart for my- 

 self, which shall combine those two objects. 



1th. Ducks were the subject of discussion 

 this morning at breakfast. My aunt told us that 

 the Chinese, by whom great numbers are con- 

 sumed, usually hatch them by artificial heat. 

 The eggs are placed in boxes of sand, upon a 

 brick hearth, which is kept at a proper degree of 

 warmth, during the process ; and the ducklings 

 are fed with boiled rice, crabs, and cray-fish for 

 a fortnight. They are then supplied with an old 

 stepmother, who leads them where they can find 

 food ; being first put into a boat which is to be 

 their constant habitation, and from which the 

 whole flock, perhaps three or four hundred, go 

 out to feed, and return at command. 



The masters of the duck-boats row up and 

 down the rivers according to the opportunity of 

 procuring food ; and these birds obey them in an 

 extraordinary manner. Several thousands, be- 

 longing to different boats, may be seen feeding 

 in the same place, yet on a signal, each flock 

 will follow their leader to their respective boats 

 without a single stranger having intruded. 



Colonel Travers told us, that in a description 

 of the south coast of Asia Minor, which he had 

 lately read, a duck of extraordinary beauty is 



